Metro FM Music Awards bounces back after a five-year break. Mzansi is beaming with joy after Metro FM revealed that the annual Metro FM Music Awards would return with a bang this year. The awards were one of the most significant awards in the country before their break. They were first held in 2000. They were likened to the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) at the height of the popularity of the awards. However, in the mix of things, their finale was slatted in 2017.
At their finale, the rumour mill had that the radio station canned the awards due to financial woes. In the wake of the awards being canned, reports had it that they were slated for a return in 2019, but that never materialised. After years of hiatus, the radio station has taken it to social media to announce the awards return.
However, the radio station recently took to its social media to tease a “big announcement.” The announcement was teased for Wednesday, 18 January 2023.
After all, it seems as if the awards are one of the most significant events on the entertainment calendar. In the official statement shared, the Group Executive for SABC Radio, Ms Nada Wotshela, stated:
“We are excited to bring back one of the SABC’s biggest events that is loved by millions of our audiences. This event has grown to be embraced by the industry and surely has made an indelible mark, hence the demand for it remained high even at the time of its short break. This property presents a great opportunity to amplify the SABC’s brand equity and strengthen our efforts of taking SABC brands to the people”.
Moreover, it confirmed that submissions for the upcoming MMAs are already open from Thursday, 19 January 2023 and will be closed on Tuesday, 28 February 2023. Eligible submissions are music and music videos released between 28 February 2022 and 28 February 2023. As to when the actual ceremony is set to take place, the statement did share that:
“The renowned glamourous awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on 29 April 2023, and will be hosted by the City of Mbombela, Mpumalanga. The ceremony will be broadcast live on SABC1 and supported by various SABC radio stations. The awards will also be streamed live on SABC Plus and METRO FM’s YouTube channel.”
Those interested in submitting their music for consideration are directed to Metro FM’s website to submit their music and music videos. There are 20 categories touted for interested parties to stand a chance to win an award during the upcoming 18th edition of the MMAs.